I want to move to Japan PLEASE HELP...

frankuk · (#1 (**permalink**))

Hi, my girlfriend and I are looking to move to Japan next year. We are both 24, both Scottish and very hard working. We both are dead set on seeing more of the world and believe that the far East would provide us with some magnificient life experience. So, we need some advice...well...a lot of advice.

Firstly, how hard would it be to find a job, accomodation etc...Would we need any specific qualifications?

Are there people out there who could house us, and help us to find job's at the beggining?

I am basically looking for anyone to help us get started on our long journey to the far East, I hope that someone out there has teh advice and expertise we are looking for.

Many Thanks
Frank Mitchell.

Yggdrazzil · (#2 (**permalink**))

Well if you are dead set on seeing more of the world, it might be a better idea to do start with something of a world trip before you settle down in any place

I mean there is more than just japan, to the rest of the world. Sorry for sounding cheeky I really mean it well

frankuk · (#3 (**permalink**))

ok no problem, no offense taken, I was just looking to completley change where I am living, getting as far from where I am from as possible. Japan is where we REALLY want to go though, not to SETTLE down, but to live for a while at least.

RacerX · (#4 (**permalink**))

You need to get a job before you go, not after you arrive. Also, what other countries do you hope to see? It can be a little expensive to "see the world" using Japan as your base!

frankuk · (#5 (**permalink**))

I dont plan on using Japan as a base. I plan on moving there and staying for a while. Enjoying life somewhere different and moving on. I have a large interest in Eastern culture, hence the desire to go to the Far East.

chachava · (#6 (**permalink**))

your best bet would be to teach english... it is one of the few jobs foreigners can actually do over here unless your company sends you to Japan

Pretty sure all the major schools would help you find accommodation as well if you asked

frankuk · (#7 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by chachava

your best bet would be to teach english... it is one of the few jobs foreigners can actually do over here unless your company sends you to Japan

Pretty sure all the major schools would help you find accommodation as well if you asked

i assume I need a qualification to teach English? Would a TEFL certificate be enough?

Nyororin · (#8 (**permalink**))

I think the first thing you need to do is to see which visas you would be eligible for.

In the case of the UK, if you fall within the proper age range, you should be able to get a working holiday visa. It`s not difficult at all to find employment while on the working holiday visa. I have no doubt that if you fit the requirements for a regular working visa you could shift over to that when the working holiday ends. By then you would have had plenty of time to find a secure position somewhere.

As far as specific qualifications for employment - as I assume you do not speak Japanese, your only real bet would be English teaching... And there aren`t really any requirements other than speaking English.

If all else fails, I`m sure you could wing a year with both of you working part time on a working holiday visa.

chachava · (#9 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankuk

i assume I need a qualification to teach English? Would a TEFL certificate be enough?

Not sure, I got a few mates who work at E-L Schools so I will ask them about it when we go drinking tomorrow

Nyororin · (#10 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankuk

i assume I need a qualification to teach English? Would a TEFL certificate be enough?

No, you wouldn`t need any sort of qualification to teach English.

Other than what you would need for a visa itself. You will need a 4 year degree (if you`re going the work visa route). It doesn`t have to have anything to do with teaching English.